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Nosebleed

Also called: Nosebleed, epistaxis

Bleeding from the nose, usually from the front of the nose. Most nosebleeds are harmless and stop with 10 to 15 minutes of steady pressure.

TypeBleeding from the nose
Common causesDry air, nose picking, colds
First aidPinch and lean forward

Overview

Most nosebleeds come from tiny blood vessels near the front of the nose that dry out and crack.

Blood thinners, high blood pressure, and bleeding disorders can make nosebleeds heavier.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Nosebleed

Less common

  • Blood in the throat

When to get medical care

Call 911Bleeding that won't stop after 20 to 30 minutes of pressure, heavy bleeding, trouble breathing, or after a hard hit to the head.
Get care todayFrequent nosebleeds, or nosebleeds while taking blood thinners.
See a doctor soonNosebleeds that keep coming back.

Causes

Dry air, picking, colds and allergies, injury, blood thinners, and high blood pressure.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Dry winter air
  • Children
  • Blood thinners

Diagnosis

Most nosebleeds don't need a visit.

Questions you may be asked

  • How often and how long
  • Blood thinners

The exam

A nose exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Blood tests: For frequent or heavy nosebleeds.

Treatment

First aid stops most nosebleeds.

Self-care

  • Sit up and lean forward: don't tilt your head back
  • Pinch the soft part of the nose: for 10 to 15 minutes without letting go
  • Breathe through your mouth and spit out blood
  • Afterward, don't blow your nose or lift heavy things for a day

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Saline spray or gel
Preventing dryness
Decongestant spray
Helping stop bleedingUse only briefly.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

A clinician can pack the nose or seal the vessel.

Prevention

To prevent them:

  • Use a humidifier
  • Saline spray
  • Don't pick

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Children: Common and usually harmless.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most nosebleeds stop quickly.

Myths and facts

Myth: Tilt your head back for a nosebleed.

Fact: Lean forward and pinch the soft part of the nose for 10 minutes.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • Do I need my nose looked at?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Nosebleed

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.